A significant aerial campaign, involving over 7,000 strikes initiated by the US, has been matched by a comparable effort from Israel. However, the Iranian forces have maintained considerable combat power, utilizing mass-produced, inexpensive drones. This allows them to continue launching attacks on neighboring Gulf states and effectively repel commercial tanker traffic from the Strait of Hormuz.
This strategic positioning prevents approximately 20 percent of global oil supply from passing through the narrow waterway. Iranian attacks have compelled the US and its allies to significantly reduce their stockpiles of costly interceptor missiles. The current conflict highlights the brutal economics of the situation: sophisticated missiles, costing millions of dollars, are repeatedly shot down by drones that represent a fraction of the cost, around a few hundred dollars.
The US MQ-9 Reaper military drone itself is a substantial investment. Over the initial six days of the Iranian conflict, the United States has incurred more than $11 billion in losses, a substantial figure. The Iranian strategy underscores their continued power and influence in the region.
Topics: #power #iranian #attacks
